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It was eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.